Arizona group helps furnish veterans' homes for free

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A local group is helping veterans all year long by furnishing their homes.

For the last seven years, Barbara Sesate has dedicated her time to helping veterans furnish their new home, all for free.

"Most veterans come in with nothing more than clothes on their back. They need everything," she said. "It's our goal to give them a bed to sleep in, a dining room table to sit down and eat a meal to help them get a fresh start."

It's a quick process to get started.

"We have a veteran come in with a new lease stated within the last 30 days, proof of military service, coming from homelessness, so usually through a referral from the VA," explained Sesate.

Then the veterans fill out some forms, and write down the items they need and their furniture wishes are granted.

"There's no veteran that should be going without, none. They sacrificing too much for our country.. they should not have to go without now."

Sesate says the program, United for Change, couldn't go on without help from the public, who donate their old furniture, but they are in need of more money to keep the warehouse open.

"The biggest need is money to be able to buy the things that we don't get in it donations," said Sesate.

She adds that dropping off furniture to a veteran and helping make their house a home are the best parts of her day.

".. a lot of them cry, they're very grateful," she said. "I mean, this is vets helping vets.. it's what we're supposed to do."

Making sure homeless and veteran are never used in the same sentence.

You can call to have the organization pick up your old furniture on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.